The TC-818 is a stereo cassette deck, designed as a component within the FH-818R system. It offers comprehensive recording and playback capabilities, incorporating Dolby noise reduction technology for enhanced audio quality.
Function Description
The TC-818 serves as a stereo cassette deck, capable of both recording and playback. It features a 4-track, 2-channel stereo recording system, allowing for standard stereo audio capture and reproduction. The deck includes an auto-reverse function, indicated by "AUTO REVERSE" labels for both Deck A and Deck B, which simplifies continuous playback or recording across both sides of a cassette tape without manual intervention.
The front panel provides a clear set of controls for tape operation, including fast winding (forward and reverse), forward play, reverse play, stop, pause, record muting, and record. A dedicated EJECT button facilitates cassette loading and unloading. Users can select the direction mode, activate or deactivate Dolby NR, and utilize AMS/BLANK SKIP functions for convenient track navigation. For dubbing, the deck offers DUBBING SPEED selectors, allowing for high-speed duplication of tapes.
The device is designed to be powered from an amplifier, and specific instructions are provided for connecting a DC power supply if the unit is to be operated independently.
Important Technical Specifications
Recording System: 4-track 2-channel stereo
Frequency Response:
- TYPE I (Sony HF-S): 40-13,000 Hz (±3 dB)
- TYPE II (Sony UCX): 40-14,000 Hz (±3 dB)
Wow and Flutter:
Dimensions: Approx. 225 x 120 x 230 mm (8 7/8 x 4 3/4 x 9 1/8 inches) (including projecting parts and controls)
Weight: Approx. 2.6 kg (5 lb 12 oz) net
Tape Transport Mechanism Type:
- Deck A: TCM-170RA1
- Deck B: TCM-170RB7
Model Name Using Similar Mechanism: TC-WR808M
Dolby Noise Reduction: Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. "DOLBY" and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
Usage Features
The TC-818 offers several features aimed at user convenience and enhanced performance:
- Dual Cassette Decks (A and B): The presence of two decks allows for tape-to-tape dubbing, continuous playback, or sequential recording.
- Auto Reverse: This function automatically reverses the tape direction at the end of a side, providing uninterrupted playback or recording.
- Dolby NR Switch: Users can engage Dolby noise reduction to minimize tape hiss during recording and playback, improving the signal-to-noise ratio.
- AMS/BLANK SKIP Button: This feature likely allows for quick searching of tracks or skipping over blank sections on a tape.
- Dubbing Speed Selectors: The ability to choose dubbing speeds (e.g., high speed) can significantly reduce the time required to duplicate cassette tapes.
- Tape Type Selection: The specifications indicate support for TYPE I (Sony HF-S) and TYPE II (Sony UCX) cassettes, suggesting the deck can optimize recording and playback parameters for different tape formulations.
- Comprehensive Tape Operation Buttons: Dedicated buttons for fast winding, play, stop, pause, record muting, and record provide precise control over tape functions.
- Eject Button: A simple push-button mechanism for opening the cassette holder.
- Direction Mode Selector: Allows manual control over the tape direction, independent of auto-reverse.
Maintenance Features
The service manual outlines several procedures and precautions for maintaining the TC-818, ensuring its longevity and optimal performance:
- Cleaning: Regular cleaning of critical components is emphasized. This includes the record/playback head, pinch roller, erase head, capstan, rubber belts, and idler, using a denatured-alcohol-moistened swab. This prevents buildup of tape residue that can degrade audio quality and tape transport.
- Demagnetization: The record/playback head should be demagnetized with a head demagnetizer to prevent residual magnetism from affecting sound quality.
- Non-Magnetized Tools: A crucial precaution is to avoid using a magnetized screwdriver for adjustments, as this could magnetize sensitive components.
- Locking Compound: After adjustments, applying suitable locking compound to adjusted parts is recommended to prevent them from shifting over time.
- Torque Measurement: The manual provides detailed procedures for measuring and adjusting torque for various tape functions (FWD, FWD Back tension, REV, REV Back Tension, FF, REW) using a CQ-102C or CQ-201B torque meter. This ensures proper tape handling and prevents tape damage or inconsistent speed.
- Electrical Adjustments:
- Standard Record: Instructions for setting input signal levels and REC LEVEL control to achieve standard output levels.
- Record/Playback Head Azimuth Adjustment: A critical adjustment using a 10kHz, -10dB test tape (P-4-A100) to ensure proper alignment of the heads for optimal high-frequency response. This involves adjusting a screw to achieve maximum output levels and phase coherence.
- Tape Speed Adjustment: Procedures using a 3kHz, 0dB test tape (WS-48B) to adjust the motor speed for both normal and high-speed dubbing modes, ensuring accurate playback and recording speeds.
- Playback Level Adjustment: Steps to adjust playback levels for Deck A and Deck B using a 315Hz, 0dB test tape (P-4-L300) to meet specified output levels and channel balance.
- Record Bias Adjustment: A detailed procedure for Deck B (and presumably Deck A, though only Deck B is detailed) involving recording 315Hz and 10kHz signals onto a blank tape (CS-122) and adjusting RV42 (L-CH) and RV62 (R-CH) to achieve a flat frequency response.
- Record Level Adjustment: For Deck B, recording a 315Hz, 0.25V (-10dB) signal and adjusting RV101 (L-CH) and RV201 (R-CH) to achieve a specified LINE OUT level.
- Safety-Related Component Warning: The manual highlights components identified with a specific mark (A or dotted line with A) as critical for safety. These components must be replaced only with genuine Sony parts to ensure continued safe operation.
- Test Mode: A special test mode is described, activated by connecting TP1 to ground, which enables functions like source monitor (releasing line mute during recording), high-speed playback during recording (when the HIGH SPEED DUBBING button is pressed), and record memory stop (returning to the recording start point and stopping or playing). It also provides LED indications for the DIRECTION MODE switch positions.
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